United – Nothing Lasts Forever!

Flicking through the Sunday tabloids this weekend, a smiling face greeted me from every one of them and it got me thinking.

With Sir Alex Ferguson enjoying wonderful times, as United manager, in his twilight years, we`re not kidding ourselves that he`ll be able to go on forever. So once again the great debate as to who his replacement will eventually be poses a mind-boggling question.

One thing is for sure; whoever does succeed Sir Alex sure has a mighty pair of boots to fill.

Now normally, in days gone by, there`d be a temptation to appoint from within, perhaps follow the favoured ‘Boot-Room` tradition of our enemies from down the road, Liverpool. But football has changed, time stands still for no apprentice gaffer; instant success is the order of the day.

Which brings me, nicely; back to that smiling face that sprung out at me from every Sunday tabloid I picked up yesterday, the face of Jose Mourinho.

According to our sources Mourinho is not long for Inter, his brash behaviour has rubbed up the Italian authorities and media the wrong way and although he is rumoured to have a £5 million buy-out clause in his contract, it`s not enough to tie him to Inter.

Strangely enough, in this wonderful sport of ours, there is even the implication that Jose could buy the clause out himself, just to get away from Inter.

So what about his next destination?

Three clubs fell into the frame yesterday, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City, all quite appealing for the brash Portuguese gentleman.

That is until you read the small print whereby it`s implied that Jose`s long term goal is to manage Manchester United and he`s fearful of any future appointments jeopardising that possibility.

Which begs me to ask the question, and a question I`d like you to offer your opinion on:-

Would you be happy to see Jose Mourinho eventually succeed Sir Alex sometime in the future or would you prefer someone else, if so who?